Senior Scientist (Epidemiology)
UK Health Security AgencyJob overview
We are looking for a Senior Scientist (Epidemiology) who will take a crucial role in epidemiological surveillance of respiratory viruses. The post is based in the Public Health Programmes Directorate of UKHSA, working in the Immunisation & Vaccine Preventable Diseases Division.
Vaccines have been identified as a key strategic priority for UKHSA. The Immunisation and Vaccine-preventable Diseases Division (in the Public Health Programmes Directorate of the Clinical and Public Health Group) is responsible for the national surveillance of most vaccine preventable infections and in providing technical support and clinical expertise to the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and to the NHS in planning and delivering the national immunisation programmes. These programmes provide millions of vaccines per year, across the whole life course, and are delivered in a range of NHS settings. The division also provides secretariat to the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation who recommend any changes to the national immunisation programme and publish “Immunisation Against Infectious Disease” – the single authoritative source of immunisation advice for health professionals.
The postholder will contribute to enhanced surveillance systems and research studies of respiratory diseases. They will lead and support on data collection and validation, and production of routine surveillance intelligence in these areas.
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The postholder will analyse and interpret surveillance data and develop automated routines and solutions and overseeing and responding to more complex/sensitive data requests. This will be through application of, and expertise in, analytical, statistical, database, mapping and web tools, supported by knowledge of information and data science approaches.
They will also carry out the epidemiological investigation of incidents/outbreaks of infectious diseases, supporting others across directorate, local Health Protection Teams and in collaboration with other partners. This will include the design, implementation, analysis and interpretation of analytical studies in a variety of settings and supporting team members in carrying out these tasks.
They will contribute to public health scientific analyses and writing reports on specific projects, regular/ad hoc publications and peer reviewed publications.
Contributions to the work and professional development of the team are also expected, and this may extend to Health Protection colleagues to improve services and information quality. Liaison with colleagues across the Chief Medical Advisor Group, wider UKHSA and NHS colleagues at regional/local level will also be required.
The above is only an outline of the main duties required of the role. Please see Detailed Job Description and Main Responsibilities for further role details.
Working for our organisation
We pride ourselves as being an employer of choice, where Everyone Matters promoting equality of opportunity to actively encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce.
UKHSA ethos is to be an inclusive organisation for all our staff and stakeholders. To create, nurture and sustain an inclusive culture, where differences drive innovative solutions to meet the needs of our workforce and wider communities. We do this through celebrating and protecting differences by removing barriers and promoting equity and equality of opportunity for all.
Please visit our careers site for more information https://gov.uk/ukhsa/careers
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
These will include:
• Surveillance and Data Analysis
• Enhanced surveillance and Epidemiological Investigations
• Statistical and software skills
• Audit, Quality and Governance
• Research
• Management / workforce / HR
• Teaching / Training
• Project management
This is not an exhaustive list, and a full Job Description will be given to all successful candidates at interview.
The above is also only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role. You will carry out any other specialist duties as may reasonably be required.
The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the division. It should be noted that the work of the division is of a confidential nature and must not be communicated to other persons except where required for authorised purposes.
Essential Role Criteria
- Educated to degree level in biological/biomedical sciences and population health or equivalent level of experience of working at a similar level in specialist area (in maintenance/analysis of data)
- MSc in Epidemiology, public health or allied discipline or equivalent level of experience/education
- A Completion of the Field Epidemiology Training Programme or equivalent training and experience
- Knowledge of principles and practice of surveillance, including data management, data transmission, data security, data quality, data analysis including descriptive statistics and graphics and data reporting
- Experience of interpreting and evaluating epidemiological data, sensitive health data analyses
- Demonstrable experience of public health, health protection or epidemiology including experience of complex and/or sensitive health data analyses
- Knowledge and experience of common statistical tests, modelling and analyses and interpret results, including for research purposes
- Experience of using epidemiological/statistical software packages
- Knowledge of health/social care environment, and roles and responsibilities within it including information flows in the NHS and allied services
- Understanding of information governance including data protection and confidentiality requirements
- Excellent oral and written communication skills with proven presentation and scientific reporting
- Proficient in common statistical/database/mapping tools such as STATA, R, GIS, network analysis, SQL, etc.
- Able to build and maintain effective relationships with co-workers and key stakeholders
- Able to work under own initiative, respond to sudden unexpected demands whilst maintaining a professional calm and efficient manner
- An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships
Desirable Role Criteria
- Experience of research activities with one or more first author publications in peer reviewed journals
- Experience of teaching epidemiology and/or surveillance
- Experience of effective line management
Application & Sift
This role is using Competency.
At sift stage you will be assessed against all Essential Criteria listed in this job advertisement.
You will be required to complete an:
- Application form (‘Employer/Activity history’ section on the application)
- Up to 1000 word supporting statement
This should outline how your skills, experience and knowledge provide evidence of your suitability for the role.
Healthjobs UK has a word limit of 1500 - your supporting statement must be no more than 1000 word count.
You will receive a joint score for your application form and statement. The application form is the kind of information you would put into your CV – please be advised you will not be able to upload your CV. Please complete the application form in as much detail as possible. Please do not email your CV to us.
Longlisting: In the event of a large number of applications, we may longlist into 3 piles of:
- Meets all essential criteria
- Meets some essential criteria
- Meets no essential criteria
Only those meeting all essential criteria will be taken through.
Shortlisting: If we receive a large number of applications an initial sift against the lead essential criteria will be conducted:
- A Completion of the Field Epidemiology Training Programme or equivalent training and experience
Please note feedback will not be provided at this stage.
Interview stage (Competency based):
You will be invited to a face-to-face interview.
Interview location and dates to be confirmed.
This vacancy is being assessed using a competency-based framework. During the interview we will assess against the below:
- Knowledge
- Experience
- Skills & Abilities
You will be asked to prepare and present a 5-10 minute presentation at the start of your interview. The subject will be:
- Knowledge of principles and practice of surveillance
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Additional Information
Eligibility Criteria
External: Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including internal applicants).
Salary & Contract Information
SEO Inner £46,310 - £52,113
Per annum, pro rata
Please note: If you are successful at interview, and are moving from another government department, NHS, or Local Authority, the relevant starting salary principles for level transfers or promotions will apply. Otherwise, roles are offered at the pay scale minimum for the grade, but in exceptional circumstances there may be flexibility if you are able to demonstrate you are already in receipt of an existing, higher salary. Pay increases are through the relevant annual pay award for the role and terms.
This contract is until 31st March 2026 but there is a possibility of extension, however, this is not guaranteed.
Security Clearance Level Requirement
All successful candidates must meet the basic security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security required:
- Basic Personnel Security Standard (BPSS)
For this role you will also need to meet:
- Counter Terrorism Check (CTC)
DBS Requirement:
- Basic DBS
Location
This role is being offered as hybrid working based at our site: Colindale Scientific Campus, 61 Colindale Avenue, London NW9 5EQ.
We offer great flexible working opportunities at UKHSA and operate using a hybrid working model where business needs allow. This provides us with greater flexibility about how and where we work, to get the best from our workforce. As a hybrid worker, you will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of your contractual working hours (approximately 3 days a week pro rata, (averaged over a month).
If based at one of our scientific sites you will be required to have a minimum of a Counter Terrorism Check security vetting check as a minimum.
For meaningful National Security Vetting checks to be carried out individuals need to have lived in the UK for a sufficient period of time. You should normally have been resident in the United Kingdom for the last 3 years as the role requires Counter Terrorism Check (CTC) UK residency less than the outlined periods may not necessarily bar you from gaining national security vetting and applicants should contact the Vacancy Holder / Recruiting Manager listed in the advert for further advice.
IMPORTANT - PLEASE READ
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
Link below:
Artificial intelligence and recruitment | Civil Service Careers
This is a Non-Reserved post under the Civil Service Nationality Rules. To be eligible for employment in the UK Civil Service applicants must meet the Civil Service Nationality Rules (CSNRs) which operate independently of and additionally to the Immigration Rules. Applicants must also meet necessary security and vetting requirements, along with any other relevant pre-employment checks.
This job is broadly open to the following groups:
- UK nationals
- nationals of the Republic of Ireland
- nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
- individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
- Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
For more information on job nationality requirements and the right to work in the UK, see the Civil Service Nationality rules (opens in a new window) and the UK Visas and Immigration rules (opens in a new window)
For posts on UKHSA Civil Service terms and conditions, new entrants to the Civil Service are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band. For existing Civil Servants and roles advertised across government, the rules of transfer apply, i.e., level transfers move on current salary or the pay range minimum, transfers on promotion move to new pay range minimum or receive a 10% increase. Either case is determined by whichever is the highest.
The Civil Service pay structure and progression is different from NHS Agenda for Change (AfC), most local authority pay grades and other systems that have annual pay increments. For further details, please refer to the Information Sheet- Starting Salaries & Benefits attachment.
For AfC or Medical/Dental posts, you must have the correct professional registration to be appointed. The pay will follow the AfC or Medical & Dental terms & conditions. You may be asked to provide evidence of previous service whilst we are conducting pre-employment checks to determine your starting salary.
For Temporary Appointments, if you are not currently a civil servant, you will take up the post on a Fixed Term appointment. You may be able to take this role up as a Secondment. If you are an existing Civil Servant, based outside of the UKHSA, you will take up the post as a loan which you will need your department to agree. You cannot take the post up as a fixed term. If you are an existing UKHSA member of staff, you will take up the post as either a level transfer or a temporary promotion as per the UKHSA’s Pay policy.
Given the nature of the work of the UKHSA, as a Category 1 responder under the Civil Contingencies Act, you may be required in an emergency, if deemed a necessity, to redeploy to another role at short notice. You may also be required to work at any other location, within reasonable travelling distance of your permanent home address, in line with the provisions set out in your contract of employment.
Late Applications will unfortunately not be considered.
Working for the Civil Service
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. The law requires that selection for appointment to the Civil Service is on merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's Recruitment Principles.
If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles, and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact UKHSA Public Accountability Unit via email: [email protected] If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Visit the Civil Service Commission website here.
Reserve List - If more than the required number of suitable candidates pass the interview criteria, you may be kept on a reserve list for 12 months subject to your agreement. You may be contacted, in merit-order, if similar roles with closely matching essential criteria become available and the department choose to appoint from a reserve list.
The panel will assess if candidates meet the requirement of the role first, using a specific benchmark system. If you are interviewed for the post and do not meet the required threshold for the specified grade, your application may be assessed against a similar, lower grade role and you may be offered the post should one be available.
Interview expenses will not be reimbursed.
UKHSA is required to check employment and/or education history covering three consecutive years. Please ensure you give details of at least two different referees, even if you were employed in one company for three years or more.
If you are offered a job, information will also be transferred into the national NHS Electronic Staff Records system. Please note, all communication regarding your application will be made via email, please ensure you check your junk/spam folders as emails are sometimes filtered there.
Any move to UKHSA from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.
Benefits of working at UKHSA include:
- Generous annual leave:
-26 days for the first 5 years of continuous service
-28 days after 5 years of continuous service
-32 days after 10 years of continuous service
-Plus public holidays and one privilege day for the King’s birthday - Access to a generous Defined Benefit pension scheme with employer contributions.
- Access to a cycle-to-work salary sacrifice scheme, season ticket advances and payroll giving.
- Access to a retail discounts and cashback site.
- We also promote flexible working patterns (part-time, job-share, condensed hours). UKHSA views flexible working as essential in enabling us to recruit and retain talented people, ensuring that they are able to enjoy a long-lasting career with us. All employees have the right to apply for flexible working and there are a range of options available including working from home, compressed hours and job sharing.
- We also offer a generous maternity/ paternity and adoption leave package.
Hybrid Working
UKHSA operates a hybrid working model where business needs allow. This provides us with greater flexibility about how and where we work, to get the best from our workforce.
As a hybrid worker, you will usually spend a minimum of 60% of your contracted hours (averaged over a month) working at one of UKHSA's locations (approximately 3 days a week pro rata) and the rest of your time working from home.
Disability Confident Scheme
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria at sift to ensure these candidates are invited to interview. If you wish to be included in this scheme please tick the box on your application form.
Reasonable Adjustments
The Civil Service is committed to making sure that our selection methods are fair to everyone.
To help you during the recruitment process, we will take into account any reasonable adjustments that could help you.
An adjustment is a change to the recruitment process or an adjustment at work.
This is separate to the Disability Confident Scheme.
If you need an adjustment to be made at any point during the recruitment process you should:
Contact the recruitment team in confidence as soon as possible to discuss your needs.
You can find out more information about reasonable adjustments across the Civil Service here: https://www.civil-service-careers.gov.uk/reasonable-adjustments/
International Police Check
If you have spent more than 6 months abroad over the last 3 years you may need an International Police Check. This would not necessarily have to be in a single block, and could be time accrued over that period.
Internal Fraud check
If successful for this role as one aspect of pre-employment screening, applicant’s personal details – name, national insurance number and date of birth - will be checked against the Cabinet Office Internal Fraud Hub and anyone included on the database will be refused employment unless they can show exceptional circumstances. Currently this is only for External candidates to the Civil Service.
Security Vetting
Please check the Security Clearance needed for the role and follow the link for more information:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels/national-security-vetting-clearance-levels
Future location
UKHSA is investing in a new state-of-the-art National Biosecurity Centre in Harlow, Essex, which will eventually bring together teams currently based at Canary Wharf, Colindale and Porton Down. For more details, please see: Huge biosecurity centre investment to boost pandemic protection - GOV.UK.
The new facilities will start becoming operational in the mid-2030s, with full completion by 2038. Staff will move in phases as facilities become available. If you're appointed to a role currently based at Canary Wharf, Colindale or Porton Down, please note that we'll continue investing in these sites for the next decade. As we get closer to the transition, we'll provide full information about relocation support available to staff.